Meet our Team

Head of School

Background

I started my career in education working with EFL and ESOL students and teachers, I have worked in a range of countries including Egypt, Spain, Ukraine, Lithuania, Poland, South Africa and the UK and have worked in Schools, colleges and university settings on ESOL/EFL, literacy and teacher education programmes. I am a CELTA and DELTA teacher trainer and assessor, and an examiner for the Masters level DELTA module exam.

I joined Newcastle College in September 2007 to manage Success North Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training which continues to support partnerships and professional development to the present. I became Head of School in November 2012 and Director of School in 2016.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Director, Newcastle School of Education, Newcastle College
• Director, Success North Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training.
• Head, School of Education, NCG.
• Founder Member of Association of Centres for Excellence in Teacher Training (ACETT).

Qualifications

• BA English Literature and Language, Leicester University.
• MA in Education, Open University.
• Doctorate in Education, Open University (2011 to present).

Research Interests.

• Supporting practitioner research
• Co-founder of CETTnet practitioner research network.
• Member of Editorial Board – Huddersfield University Teaching in Lifelong Learning Journal
• Member of Editorial Board – Newcastle College Lessons in Learning Journal

Recent Publications

• Thurston, D. (March 2014) ‘Exploring, Developing and Improving LDD/SEN practice’, report for ACETT
• Thurston, D. (July 2013) ‘Researching Level 6 and Level 7 ITE programmes for Teachers in the FE sector. Final Report,’ report in partnership with UCET
• Thurston, D. (2010) ‘The invisible educators: exploring the development of teacher educators in the further education system’, Journal of Teaching in Lifelong Learning, Vol. 2, no 1, pp. 47-59
• Thurston, D. (2010) ‘Experiencing ESCalate, ‘Supporting researchers in further education settings’ June 2010, ESCalate 10-year anniversary newsletter
• Thurston, D, (2009) ‘Widening the CETTnet, Journal of Teaching in Lifelong Learning, Vol. 1, no 2, pp. 24 – 34
• Byrne, C. and Thurston, D. (2009) ‘Supporting and Developing a Collaborative Research Community’, Journal of Teaching in Lifelong Learning, Vol. 1, no 1, pp. 63 - 64

Personal Interests

• Long Distance Walking.
• Gardening.

Operations Manager

Background

I started my career in education when I qualified as a middle school teacher in Hertfordshire. I moved into a professional training role when I returned to the North East and I have been working within initial teacher education for many years. For the past ten years I have worked with the successful School of Education at Newcastle College and I became Head of School in 2016.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Head of School, Newcastle School of Education, Newcastle College.

• Course leader/Tutor Foundation Degree in Education and Training 14-19/ /Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS).

• Course leader/Tutor Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

• Dissertation supervisor BA in lifelong learning and professional development (Professional Learning in the Workplace).

• Internal Verifier TAQA qualification.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Education.

• Masters in Education Development.

Research Interests

• Research into 14-19 teaching and learning in the FE sector.

• Collaborative research to support the delivery of elective modules within the teacher education programmes.

• Exploration of curriculum design to support blended learning.

Personal Interests

• Reading.

• Walking.

• Family.

• History.

• Taxi driver for the children.

Professional Development Lead

Background

I am originally from Colombia. I have a training background in industrial design. Since I moved to the UK in 2006 I have been working in teaching, project management and curriculum design. My teaching experience ranges from community learning programmes to initial teaching training. One of my specialisms is supporting students with learning difficulties and disabilities and I am also interested in supporting the development of numeracy and Maths skills and in the use of technology for learning. I joined the School of Education team in 2013.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Tutor: Award in Education and Training (which was previously known as Preparing to teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector )
• Tutor: Foundation Degree in Education and training (level 5)
• Tutor: PGCE (levels 6 and 7)
• Design and delivery of CPD programmes for in-service teachers

Qualifications

• Masters in Education and Professional Development.
• Foundation Degree: Education & Training for Specialists in Learning Difficulties & Disabilities – specialist route (2014)
• Certificate in Education / Diploma in Teaching for the Lifelong Learning Sector (2011)
• Certificate in the Delivery Learning 7302 (2008)

I also like to keep up-to-date and have recently completed additional CPD on British Sign language, Deaf/blind awareness and supporting learners with ADHD.

Research Interests

• Equality and Diversity.
• Use of technology for learning.
• Leadership and management.

Personal Interests

• Traveling.
• Photography.
• Reading.
• Dance.
• Art and design.

PGCE Lead

Background

I started my teaching career in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and ESOL teaching in Spain, South America and in the UK. I have worked in the private sector, as well as in university and Adult and Community settings before moving to Newcastle School of Education at Newcastle College. I have worked in teacher education for the last seven years, working on both ESOL and generic teacher training programmes.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Course Leader for the PGCE Young People and Adult Specialists Programme.

• Tutor - Award in Education and Training.

• Cross college teaching placement co-ordinator.

Qualifications

• Masters in Education.

• MA in French and Hispanic Studies, University of Glasgow.

• Certificate and Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults.

• Certificate in Education with ESOL Subject Specialism.

Research Interests

The exploration and adaptation of ESOL/EFL and literacy teacher training approaches to generic contexts.

Personal Interests

• Travelling.

• Foreign languages.

• Cooking.

English and Literacy Lead

Background

I have worked in teacher development since 1998 and joined the team at Newcastle School of Education in 2005. Prior to this, I worked as a CELTA and DELTA trainer in the UK and abroad. I’ve worked with groups of teachers from Portugal, Spain, Ukraine, China and Sweden, just to name a few. I also spent a number of years as an EFL teacher in Portugal and in Poland.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Course leader Fd Education and Training/DTLLS for English, Language and Literacy Specialists.

• Course Leader Certificate of Education/Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) (Literacy) (LMU).

• Dissertation supervisor BA (Professional Learning in the Workplace).

Qualifications

• BA Hons English, University of Leeds.

• MA in Education, Open University.

Research Interests

• Reflection in post-compulsory teacher education.

• Mentoring for trainee teachers in work-based learning.

• Information Technology for ITT.

Personal Interests

• Reading.

• Cinema.

• Walking.

• Cycling.

• Opera.

EFL/ESOL Lead

Background

I have worked as a teacher trainer of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) since 1996, delivering courses in the UK and abroad. Prior to this, I worked as a teacher of EFL, in Spain, Chile and, for thirteen years, in London. During this time, I taught English in a variety of contexts (General English courses at private language schools, EAP at university, etc.) before I moved into the Further Education sector, joining the training team at Hammersmith and West London College in 2001. In 2005, I decided to relocate to Newcastle to raise my young family in a more child-friendly environment. In the past six years here at Newcastle College, I have delivered ELT and Literacy courses to teachers from the UK and abroad.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Course leader and assessor for CELTA and DTE(E)LLS.

• Tutor for DELTA.

Qualifications

I hold a BA in Modern Languages and Literature, the Cambridge DTEFLA and I completed an MA in ELT and Applied Linguistics in 1999.

Research Interests

My family has recently acquired a dog. I spend the little free time he leaves me reading, listening to music and playing / watching sport with my sons.

English Literacy, Language and ESOL

Background

I have taught ESOL in the UK for ten years and have previous experience of teaching English in France, Spain and Italy. I have also worked in secondary schools and in special educational needs. From 2011-2013, I worked in a teacher training college in Ethiopia with VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas). I joined the School of Education in June 2015.

Roles and Responsibilities

I am a tutor on English, Literacy and Language initial teacher education programmes as well as teaching on the Award in Education and Training. I also support on our international English language teaching programmes e.g. CELTA and on professional development programmes for overseas teachers.

Qualifications

• BA (Hons) French, Italian
• PGCE (Modern Languages 11-18)
• ESOL Subject Specialism
• CELTA
• Currently working towards my masters level DELTA qualification with the School of Education

Research Interests

• Learner-led discussion in the ESOL classroom
• International education

Personal Interests

• Walking
• Languages

Maths

Background

I qualified as a Secondary Maths Teacher in 1998, and worked as both a teacher and manager in secondary schools and special schools for 14 years.

My experience includes working with young people with a range of medical needs, including school phobia, teenage pregnancy, mental health problems, and learning disabilities. I was involved in teaching a range of subjects including Maths, English, Employability and Health & Social Care.

I joined Newcastle College in 2013, teaching on adult employability courses, and then in 2014 I joined the Teaching Development Centre at Newcastle College.

Roles and responsibilities

• Course leader for Foundation Degree in Education and Training (Mathematics Specialists)
• Course leader for PGCE (Mathematics Specialists)
• Tutor for Award in Education and Training

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Education
• PGCE Secondary Mathematics
• BA Hons Degree English Language

Research interests

• Numeracy and mathematics across the curriculum
• Numeracy and mathematics 16-19 curriculum
• The impact and implications of post 16 employability courses

Personal interests

• DIY – particularly decorating!
• Music, and going to concerts
• Camping holidays

Learning Difficulties and Disabilities / SEN

Background

I started my career in Further Education in 1999 and worked in a wide range of settings before moving to the School of Education.

My experience includes curriculum design and leadership of programmes for learners with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities. I have taught a variety of subjects including Maths, English, Employability and Creative Studies. I have also designed and delivered CPD training in Autism, Equality and Diversity and Disability Awareness.

I have a keen interest in using the Performing Arts to develop social interaction and communication skills and have been involved in the development of a number of theatrical productions for young adults on the autism spectrum.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Tutor: Award in Education and Training
• Tutor: Foundation Degree in Education and training (level 5)
• Tutor: PGCE (levels 6 and 7)

Qualifications

• MA in Autism
• PGCE (F.E.)
• BA (Hons) Performing Arts

Personal Interests

• Gardening
• Theatre
• Walking

Learning Difficulties and Disabilities/SEN Lead

Background

I have a PGCE English and Drama for secondary and a PGCE Special Educational Needs and have worked in schools, colleges, specialist colleges and in community settings for many years – since 1974! After working with learners who have learning difficulties and disabilities (LDD) in a wide range of educational settings, I joined the School of Education team at Newcastle College Teaching Development Centre in 2012, and started work on specialist LDD/SEN programmes at level 5 (Foundation Degree) and at Level 7 (Masters level PGCE programmes)

Roles and Responsibilities

I teach on a range of LDD/SEN programmes and on professional development, including managing behaviour and inclusive teaching and learning. I also work as a Dissertation supervisor on the BA (Hons) Education and Professional Development and work on the development and delivery of bespoke LDD/SEN and professional development programmes for a range of education employers.

I am also on the board of a NE charity called Natural Ability who work with LDD and SEN learners.

Qualifications

• B.A. [Hons.] English
• PGCE English & Drama
• PGCE [with commendation] Special Educational Needs
• Adult Literacy Specialist Level 4
• Certificate in Teaching Basic Skills

Research Interests

• Developing Inclusive Practices across Education Settings
• Personal Interests
• Directing and producing drama productions for local theatre.

Certificate in Education and Training Lead

Background

I started my teaching career in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia and China, before moving back to the UK. I worked in the private sector here in Newcastle, before moving to the Newcastle School of Education at Newcastle College. I have worked in teacher development for the last eight years, working on both ESOL and generic teacher training programmes.

Roles and Responsibilities

My current role is the Course leader for the Certificate in Education and Training programme, as well as main tutor on the full-time Foundation Degree in Education and Training. I also work as a tutor on the CELTA and DELTA programmes.

Qualifications

• MA in Education
• Degree in Business and Finance
• CELTA Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Adults
• DELTA Diploma in in Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Adults

Research Interests

• E-learning and the use of technology in Education

Personal Interests

• Cycling
• Football
• Reading

Background

I have been teaching in the sector since 1992, and joined the Teacher Education team in 2005. During my teaching career, I have worked as a vocational teacher and assessor in a work based learning setting and for a private training organisation, have worked for a charitable organisation in Foundation Learning (with learners with social/health problems and learning difficulties/disabilities) and in the FE setting as an English and maths subject specialist.
Roles and Responsibilities

I am Programme Leader for the Foundation Degree in Education & Training. I am also involved in developing teaching via the Coaching Programme, and am keen on developing teacher skills, knowledge and understanding through bespoke CPD.

Qualifications

I have recently completed my Master’s Degree in Education, with a particular interest and focus on the lesson observation process.

Personal Interests

• Films
• Swimming (competitive)
• Travel
• Volunteering

Background

I worked as a High School secondary teacher for 12 years before coming to Newcastle College to do a CELTA in 2000 and working as an ESOL teacher at the College. I joined the School of Education in 2007 and still keep my work as an ESOL teacher going so that my practice remains current.

Roles and Responsibilities

Course leader for the Masters Education and Professional Development programme. I also contribute to English, Literacy and Language initial teacher education programmes and am a tutor on the Cambridge University CELTA programme (an international TEFL programme).

Qualifications

• BA (Hons) English
• M Ed (Applied Linguistics)
• PGCE (English and Drama 11-18)
• DELTA
• CELTA
• RSA Diploma in drama in education

Research Interests

• academic literacies
• Teacher Education
• Non-traditional HE students.

Personal Interests

• Hiking
• Cycling
• Swimming

Business Development

Background

I joined the School of Education in January 2014 as an administrator and moved into a Business Development role in September 2014. I had worked here briefly in 2010 covering maternity leave. In between this time I worked in various departments across Newcastle College, including Admissions and working within Learning Support to support students across College on the Autism Spectrum.

Roles and Responsibilities

My main roles are to develop and co-ordinate Information Advice and Guidance activity, organise events internally and externally, support recruitment to our programmes and communicate with partners.

Qualifications

• BA in Business Management
• Level 1 British Sign Language

Personal Interests

• Music and playing the banjo
• Sport
• Socialising

Business Support, Success North Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training.

Background

I joined the School of Education in May 2008 to support the full range of Success North activities, including organising professional development events. I am also responsible for giving students information about bursaries for teacher training and organise advice and guidance events.

I also taught English Language and I completed my CELTA qualification in 1988 before going to teach in Spain and Chile.

Roles and Responsibilities

Business Support, Success North Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training Bursary administrator for Newcastle School of Education.

Qualifications

• BA in French & Spanish, Manchester Metropolitan University.

• CELTA, Cambridge ESOL.

• Basic certificate in counselling skills.

Research Interests

The exploration and adaptation of ESOL/EFL and literacy teacher training approaches to generic contexts.

Personal Interests

• Member of book club.

• Travel (but not as much as I’d like).

• Cinema.

School Administrator

Background

Since leaving University I have always worked in the FE education sector in a range of administrative roles.

Roles and Responsibilities

I am responsible for the day to day running of the school office. I am responsible for administering 24+ and HE student loans and enjoy working with our students

Qualifications

• BA Hons in European Business

Research Interests

• Keeping up-to-date with funding for teacher education programmes

Personal Interests

• I like going to the theatre to see music concerts and musicals
• I like watching quiz shows.

Background

I have many years’ experience working in a variety of roles mainly within the education and healthcare sectors. I spent 4 years as a Connexions Personal Adviser giving support, information and guidance to young people to help them make the best choices for their futures.

I have also spent time working in Shanghai teaching English at an International School. Prior to my role here within the School of Education,

I worked for a short period in the Higher Education Directorate at Newcastle College.

Roles and Responsibilities

My main role is to process applications and to provide information, advice and guidance to all applicants.

Qualifications

• Cert Ed.
• CELTA
• Postgraduate Diploma in Careers Education and Guidance.

Personal Interests

• Reading
• Walking
• Cooking
• Gardening